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Efforts to save the embattled Santa Monica Airport suffered a setback
this week when a court denied an NBAA petition claiming the FAA
exceeded its authority when it agreed to allow the city to shorten the
airport’s single runway last year. NBAA had petitioned the court to
vacate the 2017 agreement, arguing that the FAA defied requirements
set by Congress as well as the agency’s own responsibility to support
aviation. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
denied the petition on procedural grounds.

“We’re obviously disappointed by this decision, but it’s important to
note the court did not make a determination as to the merits of our
arguments against the validity of the original settlement agreement,”
said NBAA President Ed Bolen. “This ruling was purely a matter of
procedure, and in no way does it establish a precedent by which the
FAA may enter into similar agreements affecting the fates of other
vital general aviation airports.” NBAA is also involved in a pending
administrative complaint that claims the city violated its grant-based
obligations to the airport.

As allowed by the agreement with the FAA, the city shortened SMO’s
runway from 4,973 feet to 3,500 feet in a successful effort to reduce
jet traffic at the airport late last year. The city has said it plans
to close the airport by the end of 2028. According to NBAA, it will
continue to pursue options for keeping the airport open.